We might be a bit biased, but we seriously love this place. We encourage folks to hang out here before the wedding, or if you're in town on Friday night or Sunday. With weather permitting, grab a pitcher of beer and some cheese curds, and enjoy the beautiful terrace. Soak in lake views, some live music, and wonderful Wisconsin summers!

This is a favorite of ours, somewhere we head frequently in the summer months. Widely recognized as the site of historic research in ecological restoration, the Arboretum includes the oldest and most varied collection of restored ecological communities in the world. They have wonderful walking trails and amazing flower gardens. We highly suggest it if you have an hour or two!

Come check out the neighborhood we live in, and LOVE! On the east side of the capitol building is Williamson St (affectionately known as Willy Street) and it's full of wonderful and unique shops and restaurants. It's a fun and eclectic neighborhood we highly suggest checking out. See below for our favorite places to eat and drink!

Take Saturday morning to explore possibly Madison's best treasure--the Dane County Farmer's Market! Not only is it America’s largest producers-only farmers’ market, but it is consistently rated as one of the top farmers markets in the country. Eat your way through the endless cheese samples, buy a homemade pastry, and do not miss out on Stella's Spicy Cheese Bread. The market spans the entire square around the state capitol.

State Street is a mile long pedestrian street that stretches between the UW-Madison campus and the capitol building. It is full of hundreds of shops, restaurants, theaters/music venues and museums (some of which are free!) Walk up and down to experience the heart of downtown Madison, and a place where UW students love to spend their time.

When you're visiting the farmers market or walking down State Street stop in to see our beautiful state capitol building. It's a striking building (the dome is only a couple feet smaller than the dome on the US capitol building!) and you can either jump on a free tour or walk around yourself. We suggest going up to the observation deck to walk around the exterior of the base of the dome and get the best views of Madison!

There is possibly nothing we enjoy more than eating and drinking our way through Madison. This city has some of the best food in the country, here are some of our absolute favorites:

In the Capitol Square/State Street area:

- Short Stack Eatery: 24/7 breakfast spot with unique and delicious dishes

- Dotty Dumpling's Dowry: Despite the name, you will not get any dumplings here. Dubbed the World Hamburger Headquarters, head to Dotty's for some of the best burgers we've ever had

- Bassett Street Brunch Club: If you're staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown, this restaurant is right below the hotel! Don't miss their doughnuts and late night bar offerings

- DLUX: Delicious burgers and milkshakes, be sure to check out their burger of the month as well! One of Briana's favorite things in the world is their toasted marshmallow shakes, and Colin loves the Black & Blue burger

- Greenbush Bar: A hidden gem--you have to look closely as they have a very small sign! Amazing, handmade Italian food in a fun setting

- Hawks Bar & Grill: Right on State Street with outdoor seating, come to Hawks for great drinks and some pretty top notch bar food

In the Willy Street neighborhood (only about 2 miles from downtown Madison/State Street area):

- Tex Tubbs Taco Palace: This is our FAVORITE restaurant, we cannot recommend it enough. Fun atmosphere, great margaritas, the most delicious tacos, and a salsa bar--what more do you want?! Also, get the queso, it's extraordinary.

- Weary Traveler Freehouse: Comfort food and a cozy setting make this a consistently delicious dinner spot for us. Briana loves the grilled cheese and Colin's favorite is the Mediterranean plate.

- Mint Mark: Small plates, handcrafted drinks, and a skillet cookie that will absolutely change your life. One of our favorites!

- Lazy Jane's: There are few better ways to start the day than with breakfast at Lazy Jane's. Lots of vegetarian options, and all of the pastries are handmade. A true gem!

- Stateline Distillery: The drinks don't get much better than when the booze is made in-house. Just two blocks off of Willy Street

- Ha Long Bay: Homemade Vietnamese food that cannot be beat. The menu is pages long with every type of Pho, noodle dish, and stir fry you can imagine!

- Grampas Pizza: Gourmet thin crust pizza with unique and fresh toppings, it's the perfect place to try something new

- Monty's Blue Plate Diner: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner diner serving homemade food with lots of love. Also, check out their incredible homemade dessert case, it cannot be missed!